Koblenz police spokesman Ralf Schomisch says officers raided the apartment of the 58-year-old man following a tip Monday and uncovered a cache of 5.3 ounces (150 grams) of marijuana.

Then in the living room they discovered the tree - a pot plant adorned with Christmas lights. The suspect, whose name was not released, said he had planned to decorate it further and putting presents under it at Christmas.

But it was not to be. Schomisch said Thursday that authorities "had to destroy this pre-Christmas dream" and seize the plant as evidence.